Fybogel (ispaghula)

Main use

Active ingredient

Manufacturer

Constipation

Ispaghula husk

Reckitt Benckiser

How does it work?

Fybogel sachets and Fybogel Hi-Fibre sachets both contain the active ingredient ispaghula husk, which is a type of medicine called a bulk-forming laxative. It is used to treat constipation and can also be used to maintain normal bowel function in various bowel disorders.

Ispaghula is a type of fibre. It swells when it comes into contact with fluid in the gut and thus increases the volume of the faeces. It is not absorbed into the body. The increased mass in the bowel stimulates the muscles in the walls of the bowel to push the contents of the bowel along, which helps relieve constipation.

It can take a few days of taking the medicine for bowel movement to be improved.

This medicine should only be used if it is not possible to increase your dietary intake of fibre, for example with bran, or if you cannot tolerate bran.

How do I take it?

Each dose of Fybogel granules should be stirred into a glass of water (at least 150ml) and taken as soon as the fizzing dies down. The medicine should preferably be taken after meals. It should not be taken shortly before going to bed.

Adults and children over 12 years of age should take the contents of one sachet dissolved in a glass of water morning and evening, after breakfast and evening meals.

Children aged 6 to 12 years should take half to one level 5ml spoonful of granules, depending on size and age, dissolved in a glass of water after breakfast and evening meals.

Children aged under six years should only be given this medicine on the advice of a doctor. They should be given half to one level 5ml spoonful of granules, depending on size and age, dissolved in a glass of water after breakfast and evening meals.

If there has not been a bowel movement after three days of treatment you should consult your doctor.

Warning!

Don't take this medicine just before going to bed.

Don't take Fybogel granules without water. It is important that each dose of granules is stirred into a glass of at least 150ml water before taking, otherwise there is a risk of it causing a blockage in the gut. It is also important to make sure you drink enough liquid throughout the day.

If you accidentally take too much Fybogel, drink plenty of water.

Take care to avoid inhaling the powder when you are preparing the medicine. Breathing in the powder can lead to allergic reactions.

Not to be used in

People with a blockage in the gut (intestinal obstruction).

People with compressed and hardened faeces causing a blockage of the bowel (faecal impaction).

People with weakness in the muscle of the bowel wall (colonic atony).

People who have difficulty swallowing.

Fybogel contains aspartame, which is a source of phenylalanine. It is not suitable for people with an inherited disorder of protein metabolism called phenylketonuria.

Children aged under six years should only be given this medicine on the advice of a doctor.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream. It can be safely used by women who are pregnant.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Label warnings

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence or wind).

Bloating or swelling of the abdomen.

Obstruction of the intestines if the medicine is not taken with sufficient fluid (see the instructions on how to take above).

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect any other medicines. However, as with all medicines, if you are already taking any other medicines it is important to check with your pharmacist before taking this one as well.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.